Dispensing gun for applying a flowable sealant from a tube incorporating a plunger end mounted support with incorporated spring for providing even flow inducing force application

ABSTRACT

An assist assembly incorporated into a dispensing gun supporting an elongated cartridge containing a volume of a flowable material. An internally collapsible seating end of the cartridge is engaged by a rod and forward most plunger of the gun in order to force a flowable material through a forward disposed nozzle of the cartridge. A body contains a compressible spring and is mounted to the plunger so that the body contacts the internally collapsible seating end of the mounted cartridge. Forward advancing of the plunger results in a continuous force application by the spring in order to continuously and evenly dispense through the nozzle the flowable material. A secondary spring is mounted between a forward end of the cartridge from which the nozzle projects and an opposing forward end of the gun for additionally assisting in applying a controlled force discharge of fluid from the cartridge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/706,157 filed on Sep. 27, 2012, the contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an application assist device for use with a caulking or any other type of dispensing gun having a linearly displaceable plunger and stem arrangement. In particular, the present invention incorporates a plunger end supported and linearly compressible/expandable housing, typically cylindrical, containing a coil spring for providing a continuous flow inducing application, such as further to an abutting end surface of a cylindrical shaped fluid applicating tube (e.g. caulk or silicone tube) and once the plunger with end supported spring housing has been activated to apply an initial compressive/collapsing force against the interiorly recess displaceable end surface of the tube.

The present invention also discloses a pivotally mounted member at an intermediate location of the dispensing gun body, such assisting in de-pressurizing and releasing of the plunger rod in consideration of the additional compressing forces generated in part by the end supported spring housing. A rigid wire element extends from the pivotal member to a rear located release lever associated with the plunger supporting rod. Actuating of the pivotal member causes the wire element to be drawn forward in a force multiplied manner, thereby inwardly translating the lever to trigger release of the plunger rod in a safer manner than associated with manual actuation of the release lever by the user's thumb.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is documented with various types of ratchet caulking gun designs, each of which include a body adapted for receiving a cylindrical tube of caulk, sealant or other flowable material. As is also known, a trigger mechanism provides for ratchet style advancement of a rod and end-supported plunger, such internally collapsing the attached tube in a forward progressing manner until the entire contents of the tube are dispensed through a forward projecting nozzle portion thereof.

Attempts have been made in the prior art to modify the spring or biasing forces applied to the rod and plunger in order establish a more consistent dispensing force applied to the tube of fluidic holding material. Example of this are set forth in the caulk gun of Broesamle, U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,765 and the silicon gun of WO 2009/028813 to Lim.

Broesamle '765 teaches a forward biasing mechanism for maintaining contact between the caulk tube and the piston rod. The biasing mechanism is piggy backed to the trigger housing of the caulk gun. A friction grip surround the piston rod and is urged in a forward direction by a spring contained within the housing in order to bias the piston rod in a forward direction, while relieving the back pressure inside the caulk tube.

Lim '813 teaches an elongation spring 50 disposed between the pressure plate 21 and push rod 20 (the spring 50 appearing to be mounted over the push rod and not integrally end fashioned as in your design). Responsive to the elongation power of the spring 50, the push rod 20 withdraws automatically and immediately upon pushing the lock/unlock plate 42.

Additional references include Yen, US 2011/0056994, which teaches a glue gun including a disc spring 17 for biasing a disc 18 to push a cartridge gently out of a claw shaped elastic sheet 19. Dentler, U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,754, teaches a dripless caulk gun exhibiting a spring biased drive mechanism however does not depict a biasing spring element integrated into a free extending end of the push rod. At the end of the plunger is a piston having a flexible rim which creates a seal between the piston and an inside surface of the caulk tube, thus creating a partial vacuum in a volume between the piston and the inside end face of the caulk tube when the plunger is moved backward.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an application assist device for use with a caulking or any other type of dispensing gun having a linearly displaceable plunger and stem arrangement, and which incorporates a plunger end supported and linearly compressible/expandable housing, typically cylindrical, and containing a coil spring for providing a continuous flow inducing application against an abutting end surface of a cylindrical shaped fluid applicating tube (e.g. caulk or silicone tube), and once the plunger with end supported spring housing has been activated to apply an initial compressive/collapsing force against the interiorly recess displaceable end surface of the tube. In this fashion, the compressed spring forces associated with the plunger supported sub-assembly provide additional continuous biasing/dispensing forces exerted against the internally advancing end support wall of the tube and with fewer necessary depressions of the trigger in order to provide ratchet advancement of the plunger.

A secondary spring is arranged in seating fashion over a forward extending dispensing nozzle of the cartridge and is compressible between a base seating washer and a forward interior wall of the cartridge holding gun. The secondary spring can be utilized alone or in combination with the plunger end supported spring housing in order to generate additional compressing forces in a rearward fashion and against a forward end of the dispensing gun.

Additional features include a pivotally mounted member at an intermediate location of the dispensing gun body, such assisting in de-pressurizing and releasing of the plunger rod in consideration of the additional compressing forces generated in part by the end supported spring housing. A rigid wire element extends from the pivotal member to a rear located release lever associated with the plunger supporting rod. Actuating of the pivotal member causes the wire element to be drawn forward in a force multiplied manner, thereby inwardly translating the lever to trigger release of the plunger rod in a safer manner than associated with manual actuation of the release lever by the user's thumb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ratchet style dispensing gun according to one non-limiting configuration and which illustrates a plunger end supported spring assist housing;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the internal spring supporting and plunger assist housing with drum shaped body having a base configured aperture and open top for internally seating the disk shaped plunger associated with the end of the extensible rod, as well as depicting an associated covering cap and interior supported coil spring for creating additional compressing forces at the plunger end against the collapsing interior end wall of the cartridge tube;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a secondary spring arranged in seating fashion over the forward extending dispensing nozzle of the cartridge and compressible between a base seating washer and a forward interior wall of the cartridge holding gun in order to generate additional compressing forces in a rearward fashion and against a forward end of the dispensing gun;

FIG. 4 is an assembled and plan cutaway view of the plunger assist housing of FIG. 2 and depicting the manner in which the compression of the rod and end mounted plunger is translated to the internally collapsible end seat of the cartridge;

FIG. 5 is an assembled and plan cutaway view of the secondary spring arrangement depicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a plan cutaway view of a dispensing gun with plunger end supported spring assist housing as further shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a depiction of the plunger end supported spring assist housing of FIGS. 4 and 6 in an initial ratchet induced coil spring compressed condition;

FIG. 7 is an illustration similar to FIG. 6 and additionally depicting the secondary spring configuration in combination with the plunger end supported spring assist housing; and

FIG. 8 is a rotated plan view illustration of a dispensing gun similar to that previously shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating a body portion thereof produced by such as a 3D printing process, along with the drum and cap housing of the plunger end supported spring assist, as well as showing the feature of a pivotally mounted member at an intermediate location of the dispensing gun body, such assisting in de-pressurizing and releasing of the plunger rod in consideration of the additional compressing forces generated in part by the end supported spring housing, a rigid wire element extending from the pivotal member to a rear located release lever associated with the plunger supporting rod such that actuating of the pivotal member causes the wire element to be drawn forward in a force multiplied manner, thereby inwardly translating the lever to trigger release of the plunger rod in a safer manner than associated with manual actuation of the release lever by the user's thumb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As will be described more clearly with reference to the succeeding illustrations, the present invention discloses an application assist device for use with a caulking or any other type of dispensing gun having a linearly displaceable plunger and stem arrangement. As further depicted with reference collectively to FIGS. 1-8, the present invention incorporates a plunger end supported and linearly compressible/expandable housing, such including in one variant a cylindrical or drum shaped body with an attachable cap which contains a coil spring for providing a continuous flow inducing application to an abutting end surface of a cylindrical shaped fluidic containing and Plowable applicating tube (e.g. caulk or silicone tube).

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a perspective view is shown of a plunger end supported spring assist assembly, generally at 10 and as also depicted in each of succeeding FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 7. As further shown, the spring assist assembly 10 is mounted to an extending plunger 12 secured to an extending end of a ratchet style advance-able rod 14 incorporated into a cartridge supporting dispensing gun, and according to one non-limiting configuration.

As also shown in FIG. 1 and as is known in standard gun constructions of this type, the rod 14 extends rearwardly through an aperture in a pivotally mounted release lever 16 which is associated with a rear end of the gun body. As is further known in standard ratchet style gun constructions of this type, and upon completion of a forward progressive ratcheting and advancing cycle of the gun resulting from repeated actuation of a trigger 18 against a fixed base grip 20, the release lever 16 compresses a spring 22 upon being inwardly pivoted in order to release the stem 14 and to permit the same to displace, along with the end supported assist assembly 10, in a rearwardly fashion along the open barrel portion 24 to a rearmost open position.

As is further known, the ratchet style gun is designed to receive a standard cylindrical tube 2 containing a volume of a flowable and settable fluid not limited to a silicone based caulking/sealant, a settable adhesive (Liquid Nails®), or the like. As further shown in each of FIGS. 3 and 5-7, an elongated, tapered and end section-able or incise-able nozzle 4 extends from a forward end of the tube 2 and is adapted to mount through a vertical open channel (see inner spaced apart and top end accessible walls 26) defined in a forward end 28 of the cartridge gun. An inner end disc or seat 6 is also shown in each of FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 associated with the tube 2 and, as is known, is typically actuated in an inward/forward collapsing fashion through the forward ratcheting advancement of the plunger 12 (and associated end mounted spring assist assembly 10 as is the case in the present invention) in order to progressively dispense the flowable contents of the tube 2 through the incised nozzle 4.

The above should provide a satisfactory explanation of the general workings of a standard cartridge attachable and ratchet engageable caulking gun, this prior to an explanation of the advantages provided by the present inventions. As is the case of the caulking gun design of FIGS. 1 and 8, a superstructure 30 of the caulking gun mounted over the trigger 18 and grip 20 can be constructed from any suitable molding or stamping process and can further be provided as a plasticized component built up using a three dimensional printing technique.

A suitable 3D printing operation can also be utilized in one non-limiting application in the creation of any of a cylindrical, drum shape or other body 32 and attachable cap 34 which is configured to match the interior profile of the barrel 24 of the gun. The body 32 and cap 34 can likewise be formed from a plastic matrix, and such as which are associated with the spring assist assembly 10 as shown in exploded fashion in FIG. 2. As shown, the drum shaped body 32 has a base configured aperture (see inner wall 36) and open top for internally seating the disk shaped plunger 12 associated with the end of the extensible rod 14. An annular projecting perimeter extending rim 38 is associated with the open end of the drum 32 and through which a plurality (typically three) of arcuate slots are defined of which a pair 40, 42, et seq., are visible in FIG. 2.

The associated covering cap 34 exhibits a general disk or circular shape matching the open end located rim 36 of the drum 32 and further includes a plurality of engagement tabs 44, 46 and 48, each of which is further configured with an angled end ramp 50, 52 and 54. Upon installing the cap 34 over the drum shaped body 32, the tabs and angled end ramps seat through the arcuate slots 40, 42, et seq. in a resistive and snap-fit manner best depicted in the cutaway of FIG. 4 in order to enclose a coil spring 56 in compressible fashion between the inner end seated plunger 12 and an opposing inner end facing surface 58 of the attachable cap 34.

Although not shown, the plunger 12 is capable of being detached from the end of the rod 14 prior to sliding attachment of the drum shaped body 32 over the rod 14 and reattachment of the plunger 12. Additional variants contemplate the rod, plunger and spring assist assembly capable of being produced as a single unit for integration into the dispensing gun.

As further depicted in FIG. 4, an assembled and plan cutaway view is shown of the plunger assist housing 10 of FIG. 2, depicting the manner in which the compression of forward ratcheting advancement of the rod 14 and reconfigured end mounted plunger 12′ (arrow 60) is translated to internally collapse the end seat 6 of the cartridge 2 (arrow 62). Additional arrows 64 represent the take-up forces exerted by incremental forward translation of the assembled drum 32 and cap 34, responsive to the existing spring 56 generated forces, and which continue in the direction indicated as an inner base surface (at 66) of the drum 32 advances within the alternating expanding and collapsing space established with the plunger 12′.

As further represented in the plan cutaway view of FIG. 6 and the succeeding coil spring 56 compressed position of FIG. 6A, the spring assist assembly 10 operates to introduce an additional measure of a consistent compressing force, initiated by but beyond that limited to the incremental ratchet advancement of the rod 14 and plunger 12′. In this manner, and upon installing a cartridge tube 2 in the manner described, the assist assembly 10 provides a continuous force against the collapsing inner end wall or seat 6 of the tube 2, resulting in continuous and even dispensing of the flowable contents of the tube 2 through its incised nozzle 4 (see for example incision line in phantom at 5 in FIG. 5). As compared to the exploded view of FIG. 2, the cutaway illustration of the assist assembly 10 in FIG. 4 can further be designed so that opposite ends of the compressible spring 56 are prevented from being misaligned within the assembly and by being seated against annular inner projection 68 associated with the cap 34 inner surface, as well as an outer annular projection 70 associated with a redesigned plunger 12′.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a secondary spring 72 arranged in seating fashion over a forward extending end surface 7 of the cartridge tube 2, from which forwardly projects the dispensing nozzle 4 of the cartridge. As depicted, the secondary spring 72 (not to be confused with forward assist sprint 56) is compressible between a washer 74 seating over the nozzle 4 and abutting a forward end of the cartridge and an interior facing surface of the forward barrel end 28 of the cartridge gun upon mounting the tube 2 in the manner described.

In this fashion, the secondary spring 72 operates in order to generate additional compressing forces in a rearward fashion (see as shown by arrow 76 in FIG. 7) against a forward end of the dispensing gun and the tube 2. The secondary spring 72 can be incorporated into the cartridge gun either alternate to or in combination (FIG. 7) with the plunger mounted forward assist 10 and, as further shown in the assembled and plan cutaway view of FIG. 5, this in order to further establish a continuous dispensing force for the flowable cartridge contents, and which is a multiple greater than possible by the conventionally ratchet advanced plunger alone.

Finally, FIG. 8 is a rotated plan view illustration of a dispensing gun similar to that previously shown in FIG. 1 and again illustrating superstructure 30 thereof produced by such as a 3D printing process. The superstructure 30 includes a side located recess configuration 78 within which is mounted a forwardly facing cutter blade 80, such useful for incising the cartridge nozzle 4 in the manner previously depicted in phantom at 5 FIG. 5. The opposite side of the superstructure 30 depicted in FIG. 1 further includes a pair of pencil insert sharpening ports 82 and 84 communicable with additional and associated blade sharpeners 86 and 88 defined in a further recessed profile 90, and in one non-limiting application of additional accessories or features which can be integrated into any desired redesign of a cartridge gun which can be produced as a complete product with the spring assist assembly 10 and/or the secondary forward spring 72.

FIG. 8 also depicts a member 92 pivotally mounted at 94 to an intermediate location of the dispensing gun body, such assisting in de-pressurizing and releasing of the plunger rod 12 in consideration of the additional compressing forces generated in part by the end supported spring assist housing and assembly 10. A rigid wire element 96 is provided and includes a first end 98 extending from the pivotal member 92 and a second end 100 connected to the rear located release lever 16 associated with the plunger supporting rod 14.

Actuating of the pivotal member 92 (by inwardly pivoting the same against or underneath the gun body as further depicted by forward elongated and angled gripping edge 102 associated therewith) causes the wire element 96 to be drawn forward in a force multiplied manner, thereby inwardly translating the lever 16 inwardly to trigger release of the plunger rod 14 (along with associated plunger 12 and mounted spring assist assembly 10). Given the forces generated through the use of the assist assembly 10, incorporation of the pivoting mechanism results in safer release and retraction of the plunger than is associated with manual release of the lever 16, such as by a user's thumb.

It is envisioned that the spring and housing assist assembly 10 can be provided as a separately produced component which is retrofitted into an existing dispensing gun assembly. Alternatively, and given the practicality of cost and efficiency, the spring housing subassembly can be integrated into an original dispensing gun manufacture. Also, the definition of plunger as used herein is also intended and understood to cover any other type forward end structure permanently or releasably affixed to the rod and which can support or mount the assist assembly 10 in any fashion suitable for applying a continuous force to the inner collapsing end of the cartridge.

Yet additional variants contemplate the assembly 10 functioning without a mechanical spring, such potentially including any increase of interior pressurization of a sealed body surrounding the plunger and forward end of the body and arranged in abutting contact with an inner collapsible end of the cartridge. In this, fashion, the body may introduce an additional bias against the collapsible inner end of the cartridge, and upon being initially biased by an exerting force applied by the advancement of the rod and plunger in order to force a flowable material through a forward disposed nozzle of the cartridge.

Additional variations of the spring and housing assembly are also contemplated in order to maintain the integrity of the coil and to prevent the admittance of caulk/sealant or other flowable liquid from seeping into the spring and housing interior. This can, without limitation, include the inclusion of an additional covering sleeve, such as including a rubberized and perimeter defining boot placed over and around the forward lip/flange end 28 of the gun.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims 

I claim:
 1. A spring assist assembly incorporated into a dispensing gun in which is mounted an elongated cartridge containing a volume of a flowable material, an internally collapsible seating end of the cartridge being engaged by a rod and forward most plunger of the gun in order to force a flowable material through a forward disposed nozzle of the cartridge, said assembly comprising: a body containing a compressible spring which is adapted to being mounted to the plunger; and said body being adapted to contacting the internally collapsible seating end of the mounted cartridge such that forward advancing of the plunger results in a continuous force application by said spring in order to continuously and evenly dispense through the nozzle the flowable material.
 2. The assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a secondary spring adapted to being mounted between a forward end of the cartridge from which the nozzle projects and an opposing forward end of the gun for additionally assisting in applying a controlled force discharge of fluid from the cartridge.
 3. The assembly as described in claim 1, said body further comprising any of a cylindrical or drum shape, over an open end of which is received an attachable cap.
 4. The assembly as described in claim 3, said body further comprising a base aperture receiving therethrough the rod such that the plunger is adapted to being supported internally within said body, a cap attachable to an open end of said body in order to compress said spring therebetween.
 5. The assembly as described in claim 4, said open end of said body further comprising an annular projecting and perimeter extending rim through which a plurality of arcuate slots are defined, said cap having a matching rim including a plurality of engagement tabs for engaging through said slots in a snap fit manner to mount over said body.
 6. The assembly as described in claim 5, each of said engagement tabs further comprising an angled end ramp.
 7. The assembly as described in claim 2, further comprising a washer adapted to seating over the cartridge nozzle and abutting a forward end of the cartridge, such that said secondary spring is biased between said washer and the forward end of the gun.
 8. The assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a member adapted to being pivotally mounted to an intermediate location of the gun for assisting in de-pressurizing and releasing of said body from the cartridge seating end.
 9. The assembly as described in claim 8, further comprising a rigid wire element having a first end extending from said pivotal member and a second end adapted to being connected to a release lever mounted to a rear of the gun and which is inwardly pivotal against a further compressing spring for releasing the rod and plunger.
 10. A dispensing gun mounting a dispensing cartridge from which is forcibly distributed a flowable material, comprising: said gun having a trigger advanceable rod and forward most projecting plunger; and a body surrounding said plunger and arranged in abutting contact with an inner collapsible end of the cartridge, said body introducing an additional bias against the collapsible inner end of the cartridge, upon being initially biased by an exerting force applied by said advancement of said rod and plunger in order to force a flowable material through a forward disposed nozzle of the cartridge.
 11. The dispensing gun as described in claim 10, further comprising a compressible spring mounted between a forward inner end of said body and said plunger.
 12. The dispensing gun as described in claim 10, further comprising a secondary spring adapted to being mounted between a forward end of the cartridge from which the nozzle projects and an opposing forward end of the gun for additionally assisting in applying a controlled force discharge of fluid from the cartridge.
 13. The dispensing gun as described in claim 10, said body further comprising any of a cylindrical or drum shape, over an open end of which is received an attachable cap.
 14. The dispensing gun as described in claim 13, said body further comprising a base aperture receiving therethrough said rod such that said plunger is adapted to being supported internally within said body, a cap attachable to an open end of said body in order to compress said spring therebetween.
 15. The dispensing gun as described in claim 14, said open end of said body further comprising an annular projecting and perimeter extending rim through which a plurality of arcuate slots are defined, said cap having a matching rim including a plurality of engagement tabs for engaging through said slots in a snap fit manner to mount over said body, each of said engagement tabs further comprising an angled end ramp.
 16. The dispensing gun as described in claim 11, further comprising a washer adapted to seating over the cartridge nozzle and abutting a forward end of the cartridge, such that said secondary spring is biased between said washer and said forward end of said gun.
 17. The dispensing gunas described in claim 1, further comprising a member adapted to being pivotally mounted to an intermediate location of the gun for assisting in de-pressurizing and releasing of said body from the cartridge seating end.
 18. The dispensing gun as described in claim 17, further comprising a rigid wire element having a first end extending from said pivotal member and a second end adapted to being connected to a release lever mounted to a rear of said gun and which is inwardly pivotal against a further compressing spring for releasing said rod and plunger.
 19. The dispensing gun as described in claim 10, further comprising a superstructure having a first side located recess configuration within which is mounted a forwardly facing cutter blade, an opposite side incorporating at least one pencil insert sharpening port communicable with an additional and associated blade sharpener. 